Nigerian Security And Civil Defence Corps, Ebonyi State Command, March 1, 2024, joined their counterparts globally to celebrate World Civil Defence Day, 2024.
It was occasion meant to honour those engaged in defence and civil services, their prestige and selfless service. Another major objective of World Civil Defence Day 2024 is to bring the world’s attention to the requirement of civil preparedness and civil protection.
In a colourful event at the Command headquarters’ annex, the Ebonyi State Command marked it with the passing out parade of the 2023 recruits.
In an address, the State Commandant, Elijah Etim Willie (Ph.D) charged the recruits to ensure dedication and zeal in the discharge of their duties.
He further outlined the achievement of civil defence in peace keeping operations across the nation, the battle against vandalization, bunkering insurgency as well as terrorism in the north. According to him, the need to honour the memory of those who paid the supreme price in the course of these duties informed the choice of the theme for this year’s celebration: honour heroes and promote skills.
He observed that the occasion took its root from the 1924 creation of the Air Raid Precautions Committee (ARPC) which took place in the UK to work on ways to ensure the protection of civilians from air raids and the danger they possess.
1949 Through the establishment of the Civil Defence Corps, the civil service got revived in the UK.
1958 The Association of Geneva Zones, which was formed by Surgeon-General George Saint-Paul as a means to provide refuge from war, turned to the formation of the International Civil Defence Organization (ICDO).
1972 ICDO’s constitution gets officially validated and goes into effect on March 1, which is now celebrated as World Civil Defence Day.
1998 The ICDO officially adopts a Civil Defence symbol as the international sign of civil defence
In his address, the special guest, the commissioner for internal security Hon Prince Etta Uka Ude, represented by Mr Okechukwu Eze commended the NSCDC for doggedness and proven prowess in security business.
He express joy for the passing out of the new recruits whom he said underscored the readiness of the Corps to keep the flag flying even when the old hands are giving way through retirement, citing that as hope for the future.
He pledged the readiness of Ebonyi State government to continually accord civil defence the necessary support to deliver on their mandates